The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has removed the Secretary Inland Revenue from office amid ongoing administrative measures linked to alleged illegal cigarette manufacturing and tax evasion activities.
According to official and political sources, Choudhary Abdul Rehman has been replaced by Younis Mir, who has been appointed as the new Secretary Inland Revenue as part of the latest reshuffle in the revenue department.
The development comes as the AJK administration continues its enforcement campaign against unauthorized cigarette production and revenue leakages in the tobacco sector.
Officials familiar with the matter said the government leadership had expressed concerns regarding enforcement performance, regulatory compliance, and oversight within key revenue departments responsible for tax administration.
Earlier, the administration also withdrew a proposed appointment for the Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue, Mirpur Circle, in what officials described as part of a broader review of postings in sensitive enforcement positions.
Sources said the Chief Minister’s Office has directed authorities to ensure stricter implementation of revenue laws and strengthen monitoring mechanisms related to tax collection and anti-smuggling enforcement.
Administrative analysts believe the recent reshuffle signals growing scrutiny of officials associated with revenue enforcement operations, particularly in sectors linked to tobacco taxation, cigarette manufacturing, and compliance monitoring.
The latest actions reflect the government’s wider efforts to curb tax evasion and improve regulatory enforcement in the tobacco industry, which remains a major source of revenue concerns for authorities.